Convert 15-87 to Treadle?
 

I’ve found a 15-87 I’m considering and would like to convert it to treadle. I’m finding information that seems to show that for some 15 models I’d have to not only replace the hand wheel with a spoked version, but also replace the belt guard and bobbin winder. Some information also says that the hand wheel and screws for the belt guard in particular are hard to find. Is anyone aware of a tutorial on converting the 15-87 specifically, what it would require? Thanks.

hubs on Singer spoked hand whheks are uf two different depths. Yoou will need ti measure you hub on the disc wheel and match it.

I had hoped that this would be a simpler conversion, but it sure isn't turning out that way. Articles I've read online did not mention the challenge of finding a spoked hand wheel that would fit a particular machine. Even the aftermarket, low quality, "replacement" hand wheels, don't mention the depth issue, only the spindle diameter. Since I don't have the benefit of several parts machines lying around to maybe find a matching wheel from, I don't think this is going to work.

Thanks for your information, though!

I converted a 15-91 (solid wheel & potted motor) to a treadle with help from this thread:

https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...l-t244545.html

I got an after market bobbin winder from Alphasew and per Miriam's suggestion in that thread, I tried needle plate screws to attach it since I had some extras and they worked. I used a nine spoke balance wheel from a singer 128. I had first tried a six spoke balance wheel from a singer 27 but the hub was too deep. My understanding is that balance wheels from 127 & 128 will work, but 27 & 66 six spoked balance wheels won't.

This site has a very helpful explanation of the difference in balance wheels:
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/lo...eels.html#more

MJ in TX

Here are a couple pics of the 15-91 to treadle conversion.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]609979[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]609980[/ATTACH]

Any flywheel's primary purpose it to even out the power source to a drive system. I would take a chance that the original wheel just might work. Lees weight, but worth a try I think. And the cost is not very much for a new belt.

Sorry for the atrocious typing earllier. I was trying to type in limited light.

Thank you for the additional information. I had forgotten about those sources.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

You can successfully use the original wheel to treadle. In fact I find it a little smoother than using a spoked wheel. It is only to hand crank that the big heavy hand wheel is necessary.

I am glad my thought was confirmed. Thanks Veleriekat.